Bill Arden
Computer Programmer
Summary of Saving energy using walkway "guide" lights.
I've been trying to find ways to reduce the number of times I have to turn all my lights on in order to both reduce the failure rate of the CF bulbs and to conserve electricity.
Recently I installed four 4W T5 (under cabinet) lights to allow me to walk around without all of the main lights on.
Some figures
Power consumed by "guide lights"
4 * 4W * 24 hrs = .38 kWh (~$1 per month)
Power used by main lights. (22 CF + two 4 foot T12)
(22 * 13W) + (2 * 40W) = 366 watts
Average power consumed by main lights during normal??? work day
366 watts * 8 hours = 3kWh (~$9 per month)
Time needed to leave lights off per day for energy "break even".
384 watt hours / 366 watts = 1 hour.
I'm not sure how to calculate the bulb replacement costs since I have not kept accurate figures as to how often the lights are turned on and off. I just know that some days I turn on the lights in the CF section and forget them on till the next day!
I also have to find where the rest of the 870kWh per month is being used.
I've been trying to find ways to reduce the number of times I have to turn all my lights on in order to both reduce the failure rate of the CF bulbs and to conserve electricity.
Recently I installed four 4W T5 (under cabinet) lights to allow me to walk around without all of the main lights on.
Some figures
Power consumed by "guide lights"
4 * 4W * 24 hrs = .38 kWh (~$1 per month)
Power used by main lights. (22 CF + two 4 foot T12)
(22 * 13W) + (2 * 40W) = 366 watts
Average power consumed by main lights during normal??? work day
366 watts * 8 hours = 3kWh (~$9 per month)
Time needed to leave lights off per day for energy "break even".
384 watt hours / 366 watts = 1 hour.
I'm not sure how to calculate the bulb replacement costs since I have not kept accurate figures as to how often the lights are turned on and off. I just know that some days I turn on the lights in the CF section and forget them on till the next day!
I also have to find where the rest of the 870kWh per month is being used.